While perusing the fashion news on Women’s Wear Daily, I came across a story on a relatively new designer, Sally Wu. She launched her line, Act 1, earlier this year and it’s been building quite a buzz. Act 1 has been featured in Marie Claire, New York Mag’s Shop-a-matiic, and a few other publications. Prior to its launch in February, she studied under Karl Lagerfeld and worked with Helmut Lang and Ralph Lauren so it seemed only natural that she would delve into designing her own line. Inspired by contemporary art (she also trained as a calligrapher and painter in her youth), her designs are reflective of her background. She utilizes jersey, silk, and boucle among other materials, and sticks with a modern color palette (black, plum, peacock, nude). Below are a few more looks from her Fall/Winter 2010 collection: Puff Collar Blouse, $250 Coat Dress with Grosgrain Belt, $425.00 Racer Back Bubble Dress, $425.00 The looks themselves are understated (nothing fussy or over the top), but it’s the intricate design of the garments that made me research further. I’m absolutely in LOVE with the coat dress! I can definitely see the architectural influence in the structure of her pieces as well. It’s a little outside of my budget (for now, lol) but I will definitely look to the line for inspiration. This past Wednesday, she showed her new collection at the Arario Gallery in New York and I can’t wait to see she’s created for Spring (she’ll also be adding accessories to the line). She’s definitely a new designer to look out for. You can see the full collection here. City Style | Kelly C. Holiday Dress: ASOS Addition